Massage Therapy
- Tuition: $20,120.00
Books and other fees: $3,900.00 - Duration: 88 weeks, 2200 hours (Include clinic hours 365)
- Level of study: Diploma
- Intake: Winter - March, Summer - July/August, Fall - September
Program Description
The Massage Therapy program is meticulously designed to meet the competencies required by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and the standards set by Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities. This program offers comprehensive training in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain in soft tissues and joints through manual manipulation techniques. Students will develop the skills necessary to enhance physical function, rehabilitate injuries, and alleviate pain. The curriculum covers critical areas such as soft tissue assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic exercise, and effective patient communication. Additionally, the program includes 365 hours of clinical training where students work directly with the public, gaining practical experience in a real-world setting. This hands-on experience, combined with rigorous theoretical instruction, ensures that graduates are fully prepared to succeed as Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) and to excel in the CMTO Certification Examinations.
School Intakes, Open House, and Information Sessions
Full- time Massage Therapy Program – 20 months (88 weeks) – 2200 hours
Enrollment: Three intakes annually
- Winter: March
- Summer: July
- Fall: September
Program Start Dates 2024 / 2025
September 17,2024
March 04,2025
July 15,2025
September 23,2025
Application Deadlines: Applications Close three weeks after the start date.
Intake Schedules
Winter Intake
- Year 1 - March to February/March
- Year 2 - March to October
Summer Intake
- Year 1 - July to June/July
- Year 2 - July to February/March
Fall Intake
- Year 1 - September to August/September
- Year 2 - September to May /June
School Breaks
Year 2024
- Spring Breaks - Monday, March 11, 2024, to Friday, March 15, 2025
- Winter Breaks - December 23, 2024, to Friday, January 3, 2025
Year 2025
- Spring Breaks - Monday, March 10, 2025, to Friday, March 14, 2025
- Winter Breaks - December 22, 2025, to Friday, January 2, 2026
Contact Information
- Call us at 416-754-9866
- Email: students@protegeschool.com
To:
- Book a school tour in person
- Join open house session
- Join the Information session
Open house sessions
- Campus Location: 3390 Midland Avenue, Unit 10, Toronto, Ontario
- Time: 4:00PM to 6:00PM
- Thursday, September 12, 2024
- Thursday, January 9, 2025
- Thursday, May 22, 2025
- Thursday, August 8, 2025
- Thursday, January 15, 2026
Online ZOOM Information Sessions
- Time: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, August 27, 2024
- Tuesday, December 17, 2024
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025
- Tuesday, June 3, 2025
- Tuesday, August 27, 2025
- Tuesday, November 25, 2025
- Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Courses Description
Each course within the program is crafted to provide students with the essential knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary for success in the massage therapy field. Courses are structured to cover learning objectives, required competencies, and practical applications, with a focus on ensuring students are fully prepared for both certification exams and professional practice. In addition to traditional massage therapy techniques, the curriculum includes training in emerging areas of practice, such as working in medical care environments like hospitals and rehabilitation clinics. This holistic approach to education enables students to explore various career paths, including opportunities to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in diverse settings.
Anatomy ANAT
This course begins the study of the structure of the human body and includes functions needed to assist in understanding the relationships between bones, muscles, and joints. Students will accurately locate and name joints, muscles, and bones using specific terminology. Regional, systemic, and clinical approaches to anatomy are included. Course materials provide the foundation that prepares students for many upcoming courses and practical experiences.
Physiology PHYS
This course emphasizes functions of the human body and their relationship to structures of the human body. Students will learn to understand & use medical terminology to identify and describe physiology & anatomy. The human body is studied at all structural levels beginning with chemical, cellular and continuing to organism. Success in this course prepares students for upcoming courses and practical experiences.
Palpation PALP
In this course students will learn palpation techniques and use appropriate pressure to confidently and accurately locate target structures. The target structures could be bony landmarks, ligaments, joints or muscles. This will prepare students for Assessment & Treatment courses. Students will practice methods for draping & undraping patient/clients during practical portions that will also include Trigger point techniques & stretches. Consent and record keeping are part of all practical sessions.
Theory Of Massage Therapy And Massage Techniques MAST
This course is the foundation of massage theory and practical skills that the profession is based on. Basic massage techniques, hygiene, safe body mechanics and informed consent are emphasized and the history of massage is also included. Palpation skills are included in practical sessions. Introduction to integumentary and nervous systems are covered to assist students in understanding safe and effective practices.
Therapeutic Relations THRE
The objectives of this course are to introduce and develop the concepts of client care and ethical behaviour as professionals. This course focuses on the development of verbal and non-verbal skills needed to collaborate effectively with patients and other health care practitioners. Emphasis is placed on listening skills, ethical decision-making, professional boundary-setting, consent, confidentiality, relational issues in the therapeutic relationship, appreciation of diversity, and patient-centred treatment planning. Students are trained in recognizing the characteristics of transference and countertransference, and the power differential between therapist and client to help prepare the students in determining client safety and to manage therapist self-care.
Communication Skills COMM
This course will assist students in understanding the importance of effective verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills. Listening and interviewing skills will be developed, along with methods for adapting communication appropriately to the listener.
Pathology I PATH1
Cell injury, inflammation and cell repair are covered first to understand pathological processes. Manifestations of conditions are studied in conjunction with relevant anatomy & physiology. This course emphasizes common conditions encountered by Massage Therapists such as stress & pain with an emphasis on musculoskeletal, integumentary and skeletal injuries. Students will identify indications and contraindications relevant to the safe practice of Massage Therapy including situations where referral is necessary.
Clinic Assessment I CAS1
Clinic Assessment 1 introduces the student to the concept of patient assessment, emphasizing the importance of sound clinical reasoning and assessment skills. Students will develop health history intake, observational, palpation, and orthopedic testing expertise focusing on the cervical spine, shoulder and elbow.
Clinic Treatment I CTR1
This course is a progression from the Massage Theory and Techniques course. Students will learn to perform safe and effective treatments for conditions involving pain, circulation and muscle dysfunction. During the course the students will incorporate their assessment skills in the evaluation of specific conditions. Critical thinking skills will be developed to enable students to apply their knowledge of pathology, techniques, assessment and treatments when considering specific conditions.
Advanced Techniques ADTE
This course is a progression from the Massage Theory & Techniques course. Students will begin to apply assessment skills and use critical thinking to choose safe and effective techniques. This mainly practical course reviews techniques already learned and builds new hands-on skills for a variety of conditions involving pain, circulation, and muscle dysfunction.
Hydrotherapy HYDR
This course will provide basic knowledge of the effects, uses and contraindications of a variety of local and general applications of hydrotherapy. It will give a thorough understanding of the physiological effects of hot and cold, emphasizing the integration of relevant clinical application of hydrotherapy techniques into massage therapy treatment and the development of effective treatment plans. Theory and descriptions of common adjunctive modalities is included.
Law, Ethics and Regulation I LWE1
This course will introduce and develop the concepts of client care and ethical behaviour as professionals. Students will study the legislation governing the practice of massage therapy in Ontario, including National and Provincial laws. Students will examine the regulations and policies set out by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).
Remedial Exercise REEX
In this course students will cover the principles of Therapeutic exercise while combining their knowledge of anatomy, client assessment and kinesiology to advise clients/patients on performing exercises safely. Lessons include theory, demonstrations and practice ensuring the student understands how to perform the exercise themselves as well as instruct clients/patients on how to perform exercises.
Kinesiology KINE
Kinesiology is a progression from the Anatomy and Assessments courses. This mainly theory course focuses on the study of human motion and of systems, factors and principals involved in movement. Muscles and muscle contractions are covered in depth with review of joint structures and function. Students perform Postural & Gait Assessments and begin their understanding of neurology that is related to movement & balance.
Microbiology MICR
This course provides the student with an introduction to the field of microbiology and indicates its significance to the natural world in general. It will include the principles of microbiology and the impact these organisms have on man and the environment. Topics include the various groups of microorganisms, their structure, physiology, genetics, microbial pathogenicity, infectious diseases, immunology, and selected practical applications.
Public Health PBHE
This course will introduce the students to the basic theories, principles, and practices of public and population health. They will be informed of the definition of Public Health, including the Public Health Unit in the community, and will be provided with the knowledge and responsibilities involving reportable disease, as well as the importance of hygiene and sanitation practices. They will also be given direction on how to apply their assessment skills to evaluate specific conditions to assist in these prevention directives.
Clinical Practicum I CLP1
Students will learn public/therapist interaction basics and combine their skills to intake, assess and deliver a general treatment. They will also focus their critical thinking skills in assessing and treating dysfunction and practice their knowledge and implementation of legal regulations surrounding the practice of massage therapy. The student clinic is a crucial learning component and is a requirement to graduate from the Massage Therapy Program.
Clinic Assessment II CAS2
Clinic Assessment 2 continues to develop student assessment skills utilizing sound clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills. Students will continue to develop health history intake, observational, palpation and orthopedic testing expertise focusing on the wrist, hand, spine, pelvis, and lower body.
Clinic Treatments II CTR2
This course is a progression from Treatments 1 and Assessments. Students will learn to perform safe and effective treatments for conditions involving conditions of the feet, scars and wounds, cancer, bursitis, inflammatory arthritis, and neurological conditions. They will also develop their critical thinking and treatment planning skills and progress their self-care strategies.
Pathology II PATH2
This course is a continuation of concepts and conditions learned in Pathophysiology I. In similar fashion the manifestations of conditions are studied with the integration of relevant anatomy & physiology. Pathological conditions from the muscular, circulatory & lymphatic systems are emphasized. Students will identify indications and contraindications relevant to the safe practice of massage therapy including situations where referral is necessary.
System Anatomy SYAN
This course is a progression from Anatomy and Physiology and incorporates with Pathology. It is a simple visual description of a system, focusing on the dependencies between system capabilities. Massage therapists require an in-depth understanding of normal body function, pathologies and conditions encountered in professional practice. Through lecture and discussion students focus on the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive and urinary systems in the context of providing massage therapy.
Neurology NEUR
This course focuses on the structure, function, and pathologies of the Nervous System. Pain and headaches are covered including methods of treatment. Special Senses, Somatosensory functions and Reflexes are included.
Business BUSI
This course is designed to prepare students to obtain employment in the massage therapy profession. Students will consider their short—and long-term goals and the type of professional work they want to pursue. Much of the course will consist of Assignments. Students will examine the regulations and policies set out by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).
Law, Ethics and Regulation II LWE2
This course will continue to develop the concepts of client care and ethical behaviour in therapists that was introduced in Ethics, Law, and Regulations 1. Students will study the legislation governing the practice of massage therapy in Ontario including National and Provincial laws. Students will examine the regulations and policies set out by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).
Nutrition NUTR
This course introduces the student to the fundamental principles of human nutrition. Nutrition may serve as a component of self-care and effective client nutrition. Students will learn the functions of nutrients within the body and the food sources of various micro and macronutrients, along with the role of nutrition in states of disease. Students will have the opportunity to analyze their individual food intake and explore the rationale behind specific food group choices.
Pharmacology PHAR
Students will learn basic pharmacology terms and concepts, understand the importance of medication in history taking, and consider the impact that medications may have within the context of massage therapy. Successful completion of this module will assist students in safely assessing and treating clients who are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Research Literacy RESE
This course instructs students how to find, evaluate, and read research articles that can be used in Massage Therapy practice. Research methods are clearly defined, and students will learn how to evaluate research through an assignment. Emphasis is on the importance of keeping up with what is new in Massage Therapy practice and how research will improve the health care provided.
OSCE Prep
This course is offered upon completion of most of the mandatory coursework in the Massage Therapy Program. Its purpose is to assess students' comprehensive knowledge and critical thinking abilities developed throughout their studies. Additionally, it evaluates students' proficiency in communicating their understanding using proper communication skills and medical terminology, preparing them for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) component of their entry-to-practice registration examinations.
Final Comprehensive Theory FINAL
This course is offered upon completion of most of the mandatory coursework in the Massage Therapy Program. It aims to evaluate their knowledge and critical thinking skills across their entire course of study. Additionally, the course assesses their ability to articulate their understanding of their knowledge using the proper communication skills and correct medical terminology. This preparation is crucial for the written multiple-choice question (MCQ) segment of their entry-to-practice registration examinations.
Clinical Practicum II CLP2
This is a continuation of CLP1 where students will continue to function independently, utilizing all learned competencies to identify dysfunction and develop a complete approach to all facets of clinical practice. Students will also continue to build on their confidence through minimal supervision directives as they prove their abilities and readiness for the professional world.
Career Outlook for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs)
The career outlook for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in Ontario, Canada, and globally is highly promising, reflecting a growing recognition of the value of massage therapy in both healthcare and wellness sectors. As public awareness of the benefits of massage therapy increases, so does the demand for skilled RMTs across a wide range of professional settings. These include healthcare facilities such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, wellness and spa industries, sports organizations, and private practices. This growing demand is driven by an aging population, an increase in chronic health conditions, and a societal shift towards preventive healthcare and holistic wellness.
Graduates of this program are exceptionally well-positioned to enter this expanding field, as the curriculum is designed to align with the competencies set by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). This ensures that students not only meet but exceed the rigorous standards expected within the industry. The program’s comprehensive approach equips graduates with the skills, knowledge, and clinical experience necessary to thrive in various professional environments, whether they choose to work in established practices or to start their own. Additionally, the program prepares students to pursue careers both locally and internationally, opening doors to diverse opportunities in a range of settings where massage therapy is valued as an integral part of patient care and wellness. As a result, graduates are well-prepared to embark on fulfilling and impactful careers, making meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of their clients.
Growth Of The Wellness Centres And Spa Industry
The wellness and spa industry are experiencing significant growth as more people incorporate massage therapy into their health maintenance and illness prevention routines. The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has noted the increasing popularity of Massage Therapy and is exploring the potential for positioning Canada as an international destination for Health and Wellness Tourism. If this initiative moves forward, the demand for Registered Massage Therapists is expected to rise even further.
Career Opportunities
- Becoming a manager in a wellness centre, Health clinic, office or Spa
- Teaching the program
- Becoming self-employed
- Sport and Pain Management Clinics
- Fitness centres
- Cruise Ships
- Resorts
- Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Health centres
- Rehabilitation Centres
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
Massage Therapy Graduation Requirements
Requirements to Pass Each Course
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Course Average:
- Students must achieve an average mark of at least 70% for each course.
- Course marks are calculated based on a weighted average as specified in the course outline, which may include tests, quizzes, mid-term exams, final exams, projects, and presentations.
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Final Oral-Practical Examination (If Applicable):
- Students must obtain at least 70% in the final Oral-Practical Examination.
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Participation Requirements:
- Students must satisfy participation requirements, including in-class activities, outreach, clinic sessions, and other course-related activities.
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Attendance Requirements:
- Students must meet all attendance requirements as outlined in the Academic Policies.
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Mandatory Participation:
- Active participation is mandatory for practical and theory classes, and some courses may include a participation mark as detailed in the course outline.
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Engagement:
- Participation is distinct from attendance. Full marks require active engagement as observed by the instructor.
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Special Circumstances:
- Students unable to participate due to illness or injury, as documented by a medical professional, may be excused but must still engage in alternative capacities.
Final Comprehensive Exams (If Applicable)
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Examination Requirements:
- To graduate, students must pass both the multiple-choice exam (MCQ) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) comprehensive exams with at least a 70% grade.
Graduation Requirements
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Completion of All Course and Program Requirements:
- Students must fulfill all specified course and program requirements to qualify for a diploma or certificate.
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Tuition and Fees:
- All tuition and fees must be paid in full before graduation. In exceptional circumstances, alternative arrangements may be made with the Financial Aid Officer or Education Committee.
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Return of School Property:
- All resource materials and school property must be returned in original condition. Any damages must be paid for prior to graduation.